The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index hit 101.3 in April, a decline of 0.5 percent. Declines in customer traffic and same-store sales drove the study’s Current Situation Index to 101.8, a decline of .9 percent. The Expectations Index also declined, but just by 0.1 percent.

One positive note from the survey was that operators were increasingly optimistic about the future: 47 percent predict sales will increase in the next 6 months vs. just 7.0 percent who project a decline.

Looking at operators’ willingness to invest in their businesses, 67 percent report making a capital expenditure for equipment, expansion and/or remodeling in the last 3 months, compared to 61 percent in March.

As for investing in the future, 59 percent plan to spend on equipment, expansion and/or remodeling in the next 6 months vs. 63 percent who reported similarly in the March survey.

In summary, despite some slipping backward, the index remains greater than 100, indicating the industry continues in an expansion mode.

Chipotle adds drive-thru windows – with a twist. Chipotle Mexican Grill already installed a few drive-thru windows – two in Ohio and at restaurants in Tennessee, Texas and Massachusetts. More are on the way. What makes Chipotle unique is that customers cannot order food via the drive-thru. Customers must place their orders through Chipotle’s app or online and can pick up their food via the drive-thru. The chain believes convenience is critical and drive-thru pickup will increase sales.

Zoes Kitchen will slow its expansion. The chain’s CEO did not provide a specific plan as far as adding units but added that the company will conduct a thorough review of its underperforming restaurants. This might indicate that Zoes’ will close some of its restaurants. The president said he believes delivery and discounting has created headwinds for the entire restaurant sector. Zoes’ recently reported soft financials for the last quarter including a 2.3 percent decrease in comparable store sales. More on Zoes: The chain’s new design and open kitchen; and a 2016 Q&A with Zoes Kitchen CEO Kevin Miles.

Starbucks’ image has taken a beating as a result of the racial incident in one of its Philadelphia locations. Surveys regarding the coffee chain’s Workplace Reputation, Purchasing Consideration and Buzz score all plunged.

Corporate Stirrings: TheBurns Oil Company sold its 12 c-stores in southern Mississippi to Keith’s Superstores. Keith’s has 41 locations in Southern Mississippi as well as running a wholesale petroleum and transportation business. Price of the acquisition was not given in the press release. Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. acquired 40 restaurants from Grant Avenue Development, an Arby’s franchisee with units in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Arby’s plans to retain the restaurants and remodel these locations in the future. The price of the acquisition was not revealed in the press release.

Growth Chains: The Yesway C-store Chain now has more than 100 locations after the purchase of 11 Pick-A-Dilly stores and continues to strive to reach their goal of 500 stores in the next several years.